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Spite Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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spite

[spaษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

A feeling of anger or resentment stemming from a perceived unfair treatment or offense.

Synonyms

malice, spitefulness, vindictiveness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spite

Use when someone does something with the intention of hurting or upsetting another person, often out of resentment or bitterness.

  • She broke his favorite vase out of spite
  • He sent the email out of pure spite
malice

Typically used in more formal or legal contexts to indicate intent to cause harm or suffering deliberately.

  • The defendant acted with malice
  • His criticism was filled with malice
spitefulness

Describes an ongoing or characteristic behavior of being mean or malicious. It emphasizes the attitude rather than one particular action.

  • Her spitefulness ruined many friendships
  • His spitefulness was evident in his constant nasty remarks
vindictiveness

Refers to a strong desire for revenge. It suggests an ongoing determination to seek retribution and can imply a more intense level of malevolence.

  • His vindictiveness made it difficult for him to move on
  • She spread rumors out of vindictiveness

Examples of usage

  • She did it out of spite, not because she really wanted to.
  • He carried out the task with spiteful determination.
Context #2 | Verb

action

To deliberately hurt, annoy, or offend someone.

Synonyms

annoy, irk, vex.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spite

Used to describe actions meant to intentionally hurt or upset someone, often out of malice or revenge. It has a negative connotation.

  • He refused to help her out of sheer spite.
  • She spread rumors about him out of spite.
vex

Used to describe someone being troubled or distressed, often by something complicated or ongoing. It carries a more formal tone.

  • She was vexed by the constant delays in the project.
  • The complex rules in the game began to vex him.
irk

Similar to 'annoy', but can suggest a slightly stronger feeling of irritation or frustration.

  • It irks me when people don't clean up after themselves.
  • His bad manners irk everyone at the dinner table.
annoy

A general term for causing mild irritation or discomfort to someone, usually unintentionally or without a deep emotional motive.

  • The loud noise from the construction site really started to annoy me.
  • Her constant questions can annoy people sometimes.

Examples of usage

  • She was only trying to spite her ex-boyfriend by flirting with his friend.
  • He purposely left the event early to spite his colleagues.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that feelings of spite can be linked to perceived injustice or grievances.
  • Spiteful actions can be a way to restore a sense of power or control over a situation.
  • People often act out of spite to communicate their discontent without needing direct confrontation.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's works, characters frequently act out of spite, showcasing human emotions and conflicts.
  • Literary villains often use spite as their driving force, antagonizing protagonists out of jealousy or anger.
  • Fables and moral stories often teach lessons against acting spitefully, illustrating its destructive consequences.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often portray spiteful characters seeking revenge, reflecting common themes in drama and conflict.
  • Internet culture has birthed memes that poke fun at actions done out of spite, highlighting societal attitudes.
  • Reality TV shows often showcase spiteful behavior as contestants vie for attention and victory.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers debate the moral implications of spiteful actions and whether they contribute to a person's character.
  • Spite can be seen as a response to unfairness, raising questions about justice and human behavior.
  • Some argue that acts of spite are irrational and detrimental to personal well-being, emphasizing empathy over anger.

Origin of 'spite'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'espite', meaning 'to feel angry or revengeful'.
  • It is derived from Latin 'spฤซtere', which means 'to look at or to take notice of'.
  • The term has been used in English since the 14th century, evolving to reflect feelings of malice.

The word 'spite' originated from the Old Norse word 'spฤซta', meaning 'envy' or 'grudge'. Over time, it evolved to encompass the feelings of anger and resentment towards others. The concept of spite has been present in human interactions for centuries, often stemming from personal grievances or perceived injustices.

See also: spitball, spitter, spittle.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,404, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.